Jeff Lawson pivots from Twilio to fusion energy at TechCrunch Disrupt

Lawson’s move to energy comes backed by a $450 million Series A round led by Bessemer Venture Partners. The capital is fueling a 50,000-square-foot facility in Livermore, California, where the company is developing laser systems and specialized fuel-target manufacturing. To execute this, Lawson has recruited technical leadership from Apple, Corning, and Waymo, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory science and commercial utility.

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Lawson will discuss the realities of applying software-era startup experience to capital-intensive hardware. The conversation will focus on the operational shifts required when timelines depend on major engineering milestones rather than code deployment. Attendees at the Smart Systems Stage will gain insight into how Lawson balances his background in product leadership at AWS and StubHub with the demands of an ambitious deep-tech venture.